What is Teletherapy and How Does It Work?

Teletherapy in Education: A New Way to Support Students’ Well-Being

Teletherapy has emerged as a powerful tool in the education setting, offering students access to critical support services from the comfort of their own homes or classrooms. Whether it’s through speech therapy, behavioral support, or occupational therapy, teletherapists are reshaping how schools provide essential services to their students.

But what exactly is teletherapy in education, how does it work, and how effective is it? In this Soliant guide, learn everything you need to know about teletherapy and how it’s changing children’s futures, one video call at a time.

What is Teletherapy?

Teletherapy refers to the delivery of therapy services via digital platforms such as video calls, chat, or phone calls. In education, teletherapy provides students with access to therapies that support their academic, emotional, and social well-being. It’s an excellent solution for students who may not have access to in-person services due to geographical limitations, school shortages, or other challenges.

How Does Teletherapy Work?

Teletherapy works by connecting therapists and students using secure digital platforms. These platforms often include video conferencing tools, screen-sharing options, and interactive whiteboards, which allow therapists to engage with students in real-time.

Here’s how the typical teletherapy session works:

1. Scheduling: Like in-person therapy, students and therapists schedule sessions in advance.
2. Platform Access: On the day of the session, students access the platform through a computer, tablet, or other device.
3. Session Delivery: During the session, the therapist conducts activities similar to in-person therapy, such as exercises, games, or interactive lessons. For example, a speech therapist might use visual aids or online games to help a student practice speech sounds.
4. Feedback & Progress Monitoring: Therapists track progress and provide feedback just as they would during an in-person session. Sessions may also be recorded (with parental consent) for review and progress tracking.

Teletherapy sessions can be done one-on-one or in small group settings, depending on the school’s needs. The beauty of teletherapy is that it provides flexible, convenient access to therapy without compromising the quality of the service.

Does Teletherapy Work?

The effectiveness of teletherapy has been a hot topic, especially with the growth of online learning and virtual services. The good news is that research has consistently shown that teletherapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy.

Of course, there are challenges, such as ensuring students have access to the necessary technology and maintaining student engagement during virtual sessions. However, with the right tools, teletherapy makes crucial services accessible to students who might not otherwise receive them.

Which Teletherapy Roles Do Schools Hire?

As schools continue to expand their teletherapy services, there is a growing demand for various types of professionals to support students in this virtual environment. Here are some of the key remote roles schools typically hire for:

1. Occupational Therapists: Remote occupational therapists work with students to improve fine motor skills, daily living tasks, and sensory processing through virtual activities and exercises.
2. Speech-Language Pathologists: Remote speech-language pathologists help students overcome speech, language, and communication challenges using virtual therapy sessions tailored to each student’s needs.
3. Special Education: Remote special education teachers provide individualized instruction and support to students with disabilities, adapting lessons and strategies to meet their unique learning needs.
4. Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing work remotely to create accessible learning environments for students, using specialized communication techniques and technology to bridge hearing gaps.
5. Teachers of the Visually Impaired: Remote teachers for visually impaired students develop and deliver specialized lessons, using assistive technology to ensure students have equal access to educational content.
6. School Psychologists: Remote school psychologists provide counseling, conduct assessments, and support students’ mental health needs through virtual sessions and interventions.
7. Behavioral Specialists: Remote behavioral specialists help students manage emotional and behavioral challenges, implementing strategies to improve classroom behavior and social skills through virtual sessions.
8. Sign Language Interpreters: Remote sign language interpreters facilitate communication for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students, ensuring they can fully participate in educational activities.

The Future of Teletherapy in Education

Teletherapy is revolutionizing the way schools provide essential therapy services, ensuring that students can get the support they need to thrive regardless of where they live.

If you’re a school therapist interested in exploring teletherapy opportunities, now is the time to get involved. Explore Soliant’s teletherapy roles today and make therapy more accessible to students everywhere!